Merv Gillmer (1924-2016) was an Australian professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1940s. He played for Manly-Warringah in the NSWRL competition. Gillmer was a foundation player for Manly-Warringah featuring in the club's first season and first game.
Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full name | Mervyn James Gillmer | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 16 May 1924 Sydney, New South Wales, Australia | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Died | 30 October 2016 (aged 92) Sydney, New South Wales, Australia | |||||||||||||||||||||
Playing information | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Position | Fullback, Centre, Wing | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Source: [1] As of 27 March 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Background edit
Gillmer grew up in Newtown and played with the local Brookvale rugby league club before serving in the Australian Army for 2 years during World War II.
Playing career edit
Gillmer played in Manly's first ever game on April 12, 1947, against Western Suburbs at Brookvale Oval. Manly lost the game 15-13 even though Manly had scored more tries than Wests. Gillmer is credited with kicking the first goals for the club.[2]
Manly would go on to finish second last on the table above Parramatta during their inaugural year avoiding the wooden spoon by 2 competition points. In 1948, Gillmer finished as the club's top point scorer as Manly finished second last again avoiding the wooden spoon by a single competition point. Gillmer retired at the end of the 1949 season.[3][4][5][6][7]
References edit
- ^ "Merv Gillmer - Career Stats & Summary - Rugby League Project". Rugbyleagueproject.org.
- ^ Encyclopedia of Rugby League Players. Alan Whiticker ISBN 9780732908164
- ^ "Merv Gillmer".
- ^ "Origins of Manly Warringah". soaringseaeagles.
- ^ "An incredible journey from 1947 to today". www.seaeagles.com.au.
- ^ "Sea Eagles meet pioneer who played in the club's first team". www.dailytelegraph.com.au.
- ^ "Visit to a true Manly Warringah Pioneer – Mervyn Gillmer". men of league.
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